We want to know the next right step. The box to check off. The category to put someone.

All so they can fit our process…really so they can fit into our current world view or perspective.

This is the case with people interactions on many levels. When coaching someone. When leading someone. When trying to sell to someone. When debating with someone.

And yet we are only pushing people more and more apart.

We think “if only they would see it as I do…”or “if only they would appreciate this concept…”or “if only they would prioritize the right thing…”

Instead of saying “if only…” we should take the approach of “even though…”

There is a way through it just may not look like you expect. The person may not fit your typical coaching framework. They may not need what other people you’ve led have needed. They may not value the same things you do.

We need to go where they are and see it as “even though…”

Even though they see it differently we find a way to serve. Even though they value something else we can help get a good outcome.

It becomes less about us and more about purely serving the other. The route may not be clear but that’s the fun in it! There will be a surprise around the corner and that challenge alone can spur us onward.

What stories are you telling yourself that benefit from an “even though” mindset shift?